A summary of the risks of Carbon Monoxide in the dwelling house

Carbon Monoxide is highly toxic and cannot be smelled or tasted. Carbon Monoxide can be produced by a gas appliance when there is insufficient oxygen in the air supply to the combustion chamber, it is also developed by defective gas fires and other gas appliances. Correctly functioning boilers create Co2, a harmless gas. Reduced oxygen supplies can lead to Carbon Monoxide Gas. Following the adoption of regular boiler servicing and rules governing air levels deaths from Co have been held at 30 per annum although there are many more injuries from poisoning.

What will I witness if I have a Carbon Monoxide issue in my home?

One way of visually checking for likely problems is to check for signs of staining, sooting or discolouration on or around boilers, fires and water heaters. Another way to check for gas burning problems is to inspect pilot lights and see whether they are burning with a yellowed or other colour flame rather than the blue light of a well maintained system. If the pilot burner in your system starts burning yellow you should have the gas boiler serviced by a trained engineer without delay.

What do people do to avoid the chances of Co inhalation and subsequent illness?

Co is output from a boiler when there is not enough oxygen available for the flame to burn all the gas in the combustion chamber. Checking the components of the exhaust gases should be a standard part of a gas appliance maintenance visit from a trained plumber and this will give early warning of any air issues. Any plumber you contract to service your gas appliances should be CORGI-registered which will see to it that they have the training required to complete the task to the required criteria. Fitting a Carbon Monoxide Gas detector with an audible alarm is also a valuable investment to provide early warning of potential Co poisoning. Air ventilation bricks and panels should be kept clear and checked throughout the year to make sure that the planned air flow is retained to your gas appliances. Moving outside your property take a look at all ventilation ducts and air bricks to ensure that they have not been hidden by plant growth. flue ventilation can become blocked in the summertime by a birds nest and you may not notice id a fire is not used in the summer so a visual inspection should be incorporated in your home maintenance plans. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide Gas alarms. If the Carbon Monoxide Gas detector alarm goes off make sure it is your Carbon Monoxide Gas detector and not your smoke detector.

What are the risks with Co poisoning?

Act quickly and be very cautious if there are any signs of Co inhalation in your family. Do not study this or other articles and form your own judgement. Quick action can save your and your family’s lives. Age and good health are no defence against poisoning from Co. Animals can also be impacted.

Does Co poisoning exhibit any signs?

Many times Co poisoning results in typical flu like symptoms such as: -
- headaches which happen daily
- dizziness
- loss of energy
- sickness

A CORGI certified plumber should be brought in to inspect your gas appliances if you discover these symptoms in your household. Whilst waiting for the engineer to arrive you should check that you have opened up the windows and everyone has left the home.



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